Out & About: Black Friday eating

Beth Stallings, Columbus Crave

Wednesday

Nov 27, 2013 at 12:01 AMNov 27, 2013 at 7:42 PM

Heading out on Black Friday to snag a shopping deal or two? You're going to have to eat to keep up your strength. Here are a few of our favorite places to grab a bite at area malls (plus a few Black Friday dining deals perfect for avoiding shopping chaos, too).

Heading out on Black Friday to snag a shopping deal or two? You're going to have to eat to keep up your strength. Here are a few of our favorite places to grab a bite at area malls (plus a few Black Friday dining deals perfect for avoiding shopping chaos, too).

POLARIS

Indulge in a Scotch egg or shepherd's pie at The Pub, a British-American gastropub with better-than-average bar food and a hearty beer list.

In the mood for pizza? We suggest a Neapolitan-style pie at Marcella's (or the ever-popular Gnocchi con Bolognese with braised lamb if you're really hungry). The Cameron Mitchell restaurant will also offer half price happy hour at the bar from 4 to 6:30, plus $3 beers, $5 spirits and specialty cocktails and half-off select wines.

Or try the family-friendly Mellow Mushroom, which boasts a fun array of psychedelic-named pies, calzones and salads, plus a great craft beer list.

EASTON

At Flip Side, grab a grass-fed burger, like the One Red Door topped with crispy shallots, melted brie and date applewood bacon aioli. Pair that with a side of triple-cooked fries and you'll be fueled for a full afternoon of shopping. The Cafe Bistro inside Nordstrom always seems to please, especially if you're looking for something on the lighter side. They've got a hearty selection of brick oven pizzas, salads and soups.

Texas de Brazil will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., offering extended seating hours for shoppers who need an extra boost of protein.

Opening at 7 a.m. are Cup O' Joe for a caffeine fix and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams for a sugar buzz (depending on what you need at that hour).

Avoiding the malls on Friday? Here are a few non-shopper specials:

-The tasting room at Rockmill Brewery is open for extended hours on Friday from noon to 8 p.m.